A new EU research project Clusters 2.0, coordinated by PTV Group, aims to enable all stakeholders to cooperate with each other and to enhance their cargo operations in terms of transparency, efficiency and sustainability.
Logistics clusters can deliver real economic benefits for all logistics hubs (e.g. Duisport in Duisburg or Heathrow in London) that offer a mix of intermodal connections and logistics platforms and thus handle high volumes of cargo. They help reduce transport costs and emissions while strengthening the economic power of the region. And they have a positive impact on urban areas. This is due to the fact that clusters are often located near major cities. In addition, goods are moved from and to the transhipment points via cities or they are delivered to inner-city destinations. As a result, cooperative delivery services help minimize air and noise pollution in urban areas. However, even well-established clusters have not yet tapped their full potential in terms of competitiveness and sustainability, because there is a lack of coordination: not just coordination among local stakeholders, but also among current European logistics clusters.
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